Kidepo Valley National Park: Introduction
Kidepo Valley National Park lies in the rugged, semi arid valleys between Uganda’s borders with south Sudan in the north west and only 5km from the eastern border of Kenya, some 700km from Kampala. Gazetted as a national park in 1962, it has a profusion of big game and hosts over 77 mammal species. Kidepo is Uganda’s most isolated national park, but the few who make the long journey north through the wild frontier region of Karamoja would agree that it is also the most magnificent, for Kidepo ranks among Africa’s finest wildernesses. From Apoka, in the heart of the park, a savannah landscape extends far beyond the gazetted area, towards horizons outlined by distant mountain ranges.
During the dry season, the only permanent water in the park is found in wetlands and remnant pools in the broad Narus Valley near Apoka. These seasonal oases, combined with the open, savannah terrain, make the Narus Valley the park’s prime game viewing location especially with its dense populations of Lion,Buffalos,Elephant and many similar angulates.
Locate the Kidepo Valley National Park
How to get there & Best time to visit
How to get there
It is possible to drive to Kidepo Valley National Park from the capital Kampala or nearby Entebbe. There are several routes. The most direct route from Kampala is through the northern city of Gulu to Lokumoit Gate. The distance is about 560km/350mi and the drive takes at least 10 hours* without stops. The trip can be broken up with an overnight stay at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, Chobe Safari Lodge, Gulu or the town of Kitgum. Two longer routes pass through the remote Karamoja subregion, arriving at Nataba Gate. Karamoja was subject to banditry in the past, but it has been considered safe for several years. It is now a growing center of community-based tourism focused on the small town of Moroto.
The best way to get to Kidepo Valley is by a scheduled or chartered flight. Carriers like Aerolink run relatively expensive scheduled flights, which take about 2 hours from Entebbe to Kidepo.
Best time to visit
The prime time to see wildlife in Kidepo Valley National Park is during the Dry season (September to March). Kidepo is, however, located in a semi-arid region and can be visited throughout the year. The Wet season (April to August) is pleasantly less hot and beautifully scenic. Bird watching is at its best at this time as well.
The climate in Kidepo Valley National Park is semi-arid. Droughts are common. Temperatures can reach as high as 40°C/104°F, but the average is 30°C/86°F in the afternoon and 16°C/61°F at night. There is one Wet season (differing from two Wet seasons in most of the country) from April to August.